SANParks.org Forums

They have always had those, but maybe there was some sort of personnel issue at the time. If you do not have the guides, you cannot provide the activity!

Not sure, let me call someone!

Just confirmed ... Marakele do currently offer sunset drives and morning walks.

Hallo there, I'm new to this forum.
We have just booked a 3 day trip to Marekele(Tlopi tented camp) during June this year and I am really excited to go.
We're travelling in a normal Chrysler - hope the roads will be accessible - although the feedback I have received form the camp itself is that we will be able to drive sith a sedan.

I am a bit concerned that my two toddlers age 3 and 4 will try and run around or jump into the river so close to the tents...)
Anybody that can offer advice i.e. what to take, will we get cold? Or shall we take extra blankets etc.
Do we have to do the organised game drives or will we be able to drive around on our own?
The walking trails - do you think it would be too strenuous for 2 adventurous toddlers or should we rather not attempt something like that?
Thanks

Hi Monsterfish,

I see that no one has replied to your message yet! My husband and I were at Tlopi in December and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. In my opinion though I wouldn't recommend Tlopi with two adventurous toddlers, but other forumites with toddlers may not agree! The camp is unfenced so walking around is not allowed and besides the little decks of the tents there is no place for the children to run or play! The roads are accessible to sedan cars so you will be able to drive yourselves around. During our stay there were no bush walks or night drives, but I don't think children under a certain age are allowed on such activities. I think it would be quite chilly at night during June in the tents, much like the weather in JHB. I don't think it would harm you to take extra blankets and hot water bottles.

Hi,

We spent 4 nights at Marakele Tlopi Camp in September 2008 - fabulous !!
Had large ellie walking around our car parked outside our tent (Dabchick) -were very nervous but managed to get some great videos after we had moved the vehicle. He returned after dark to finish his grazing - surprizingly we managed to get quite a bit of sleep. Saw oodles of birds including our favourite crimson shrike.

Hi,
We will be in Tlopi with our 4 and 6 yos kids in a week's time. Thinking about them, will it be warm enough at night with the bedding provided at the tents or do you think we'll need extra blankets or sleeping bags?

Also, what's the best place to stock supplies for self catering prior to entering the park?

Thanks

It seems as if we are headed for some cold weather and I would think it wise to take some warm clothing and an extra blanket just in case.
Thabazimbi is 15km from the camp and all supplies can be obtained there so no stress it has all the stores you could ever need in duplicate.
As the tents are on raised decks and in an unfenced area I would advise you to keep an eye on the youngsters.

Enjoy your trip it is a magic place

Thanks Sparks.
Really looking forward to getting there.

Hi all,

Can the camp be classified as "romantic"?

Romantic? Nah this camp is in the bush with beautifull sunsets over a peaceful dam. The serenity of the bush and the music of the bird song add to that a cosy tent with comfortable seats on a raised deck and perhaps a glass of good wine and the smell of the braai. Do you realy want to spoil this with a woman in the picture

Hilarious!

Split to here.

Hi

I was told that the tlopi tents have bird names.
And that the tent "Lourie" has the nicest view on the pond.

Is this correct?

regards

schliek

Yes, they have bird names. On the best view ... cannot really give you info on that.

If my memory serves me correctly Lourie is the last tent to the bottom right of the pic. I think you would have a pretty good view from all the tents.